Pennsylvania Dentist May Have Infected Patients

Pennsylvania Dentist May Have Infected Patients

A recent news story alerts us all to the dangers of dental malpractice. In November 2018, patients of Dr. Palmer Cuttoro were notified they were put at risk. Patients from the past 11 years may have been exposed to Hepatitis and/or HIV. This dentist may have infected patients. He has since closed his business and surrendered his license to practice.

How Patients Are Exposed To Risk

Between the dates of January 1, 2007, and September 14, 2018, the dentist did not properly sanitize tools. This equipment was used in the mouths of many patients. Additionally, diseases a patient may have had could be spread to others. This happens through the use of the same unsanitary equipment on multiple people.

Dentist Exposes Patients To Health Scare

When Dr. Cuttoro failed to sanitize his tools, he exposed his patients to risk. Most patients are afraid of the drill, or even the chair. Hepatitis and HIV aren’t normal fears when you go to the dentist. But, in exposing patients to these risks he’s created a very real fear. Former patients may need to seek out mental health care to cope with the stress.

Dental Malpractice Claims

This is a very clear form of malpractice. But, with an injury lawsuit for malpractice actual damage needs to occur. As such, if any patient did actually contract a virus as a result, there could be grounds for a case. Patients may have a tough time proving an infection was caused by this specific situation. There is a clear violation of trust, but proving actual damages is difficult.

Dental Malpractice Statute Of Limitations

This type of situation has a statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit. In malpractice cases, it is usually two years from the date of the incident. In this case, the statute would start from the date when patients were notified of the risk.

This article is for informational purposes only. Kane & Silverman is not able to help with this type of claim.